Three-alarm fire devastates antique store in Cohasset

Wednesday

Feb 12, 2014 at 3:39 PMFeb 13, 2014 at 3:08 PM

An iconic Cohasset building became engulfed in flames on Wednesday afternoon.

The Reflections Antique Emporium at 808 Jerusalem Road, a Victorian building known for its distinctive, colorful shingles, has always been a standout on its spot at West Corner, where the towns of Cohasset, Hull and Hingham meet.

An iconic Cohasset building became engulfed in flames on Wednesday afternoon.

The Reflections Antique Emporium at 808 Jerusalem Road, a Victorian building known for its distinctive, colorful shingles, has always been a standout on its spot at West Corner, where the towns of Cohasset, Hull and Hingham meet.

The antique store was set to close up shop after nearly 20 years of business in Cohasset, and four years of being voted the "best antique store" by Wicked Local.

The century old structure was originally built by Charles West as a general store and served as the tri-town library from 1907 to the 1960s.

Karin Gorman bought the building in 1994 and turned it into her Antique Emporium, attracting customers from near and far over the course of 20 years. She was planning to close on the building's sale in March.

Gorman said in a phone call Wednesday that she was "speechless."

"I'm beyond sad. I've been there 20 years and it was my everything, and now it's gone," said Gorman. "It's a total loss."

The storeowner, who lives in Hull, was not in the shop when the fire started, although she said that she learned it began in the furnace.

"I got the phone call and made it halfway down Rockland Street, saw the smoke and didn't go any further," Gorman said. "I didn't want to see what happened. I couldn't bear to look.

"It's so emotional," she added. "I raised my kids through my business there."

Loyal customers throughout the years had been popping in to tell Gorman how much they would miss the store, she shared, because "they loved it so much."

Her hope was that whoever occupied the building next "would love it as much as I did," said Gorman. "This is just the saddest end."

Cohasset Fire Chief Robert Silvia told reporters on the scene that it was a "tough building" at 100 years old. Although there were antiques inside during the blaze, no injuries were reported.

Silvia said that it was "too early" to tell how the fire started and that the State Fire Marshall would investigate.